A Full Moon Walk on January 6, 2023 @ The Institute for American Indian Studies

 

If you are looking for a fun and refreshing way to celebrate the New Year, take a walk through the beautiful Connecticut woodlands on January 6 @ 6 p.m. with the Institute of American Indian Studies in Washington. There is something rejuvenating and primeval about taking a walk under the first full moon of the year with the educators of the Institute as your guides. 

Get ready to walk along the beautifully wooded trails on the grounds of the Institute where you will experience the serenity of nature under the bright nighttime sky that Eastern Woodland Native Americans have celebrated for centuries. Many Native American communities call the January full moon the “Moon of the Crackling Trees,” because it is so cold out, so make sure you dress appropriately! 

The highlight of this easy walk is to experience, firsthand, the beauty of the January full moon from a Native American perspective. 

After this walk, you will look up at the full moon with a new appreciation and knowledge, passed down by Native Americans through the centuries. The woodland walk ends at the newly restored 16th-century Algonkian village where a warm fire, hot chocolate, and stories will greet participants. 

Space on this walk is limited and pre-registration is required. Please call 860-868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org to reserve a spot. The price for participation is $10 for non-members and $5 for members of the Institute. Remember to dress for the weather, wear proper footwear, and bring along a flashlight. 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres, the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Work of Award Winning Artist, Tina Puckett On Display @ Four Locations

 

Tina Puckett, owner of Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art has been awarded nationally and internationally is displaying her work at four locations this holiday season. At the heart of all of Puckett’s baskets, sculptures, wall hangings, and “Dymentional Weaves” is the bittersweet vine that she forages throughout northwest Connecticut. Her work comes at a variety of price points and is highly sought, making her work a special holiday gift.

Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art will be participating in the prestigious Artists Collective of Westport’s “Small Works Holiday Show” on December 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and December 15 – 18 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gallery at the Westport Playhouse located on 25 Powers Drive in Westport. The Artists Collective of Westport is a group of creative individuals that display their work at a variety of galleries and pop-up shows that draws visitors in because it is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Beginning on December 22, 2022 and running through, February 14, 2023, Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art will be participating at the Brice S. Kershner Art Gallery, in a show titled, “New Beginnings After the Pause,” at the Fairfield Public Library at 1080 Old Post Road in Fairfield, CT. There will be a reception on December 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. where guests can meet the artists to find out what inspires their work. The Gallery is open Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. from 12 noon to 5 p.m. and Sun. from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Branching out of Connecticut, into New York, Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art will be participating in the Spencertown Academy Art Center show, “Crafts by Any Other Name,” on Saturdays and Sundays through December 18, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a fine selection of baskets, bowls, and wall hangers available. In addition to Tina Puckett, other participating artists include ceramicist, JoAnn Axford, artist, Shaari Horowitz, woodworker Alistair Jones, quilter, Katharina Litchman, and metal artist, Munya Avigail Upin. Spencertown Academy is known as a hive of creative activity that offers a variety of signature events and gallery shows, including this show that offers a variety of superlative work. Spencertown Academy is located at 790 Rte. 203, in Spencertown, New York. The holiday merriment continues, year-round at Tina’s studio located at #305 Whiting Mills at 100 Whiting Street in Winsted on Saturdays and Sundays through December 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. A visit to Tina’s atmospheric studio gives folks the chance to chat with the artist to find out what inspires her work and watching her weave her wondrous wares.

About Tina's Baskets Tina Puckett is an internationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven arts. You can see her works in her studio #305/ Tina's Baskets. Located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines and a variety of found objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at galleries across the World and as well at her own gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are preferred and can be arranged by texting 860-309-6934.

New Exhibit Nebizun: Water is Life @ Institute for American Indian Studies

 

The Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut, has just unveiled a new traveling exhibition, “Nebizun: Water is Life.” This exhibition is a collaboration of artwork by Abenaki artists of the Champlain Valley and the Connecticut River Valley. Vera Longtoe Sheehan, Elnu Abenaki, and founding director of the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association curates the exhibition. 

“Water is Life “ by Francine Poitras Jones. Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe.

Sheehan will be giving a gallery talk on Saturday, December 10 at 1 p.m. that is free and open to the public. Sheehan serves as an Executive Board Member for the Vermont Humanities Council, on the Vermont Arts Council’s IDEA Committee, and is a core member of the Education Justice Coalition of Vermont. She formerly worked at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Her curatorial work reflects her deep knowledge of Indigenous history and culture in the northeast. The exhibit will be on view at the Institute through March 2023. 

 “Nebizun: Water is Life”, draws visitors into the Native American worldview of water from the very first word Nebizun which means medicine, and the root word, Nebi, the Abenaki word for water. Water is one of the four sacred elements of life, along with air, earth, and light/fire. As stewards of the environment, Native American people know the importance of clean water. Water is essential for life, it is important to fish and other wildlife, it is essential for the growth of crops, and it is an important component in medicine and healing. 

The Abenaki community, among many others, knows how important clean water is to everyday activities that some take for granted. During the recent controversial construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline through the homelands of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the anthem, “Water is Life, was born by Water Protectors and, this traveling exhibit recognizes this controversy through its name and some of its artwork. 

 “Nebizun: Water is Life” reflects awareness of both traditional values and contemporary issues. This exhibit draws inspiration from Native American grandmothers who have been doing water walks to pray for the water and the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. We hope this exhibition inspires everyone to be a Water Protector. 

About Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape Room, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans.